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It’s age-old wisdom, really, to educate through story. From ancient times, stories have been vital to the preservation of history, culture and the lessons learned by generations past. Our own scriptures are rooted in the history of oral storytelling. In fact, did you know that more than 40 percent of the Bible is story? The first 17 books of the Old Testament are predominantly narrative and the first five, and longest, books of the New Testament—the four Gospels and Acts—are entirely story! It isn’t that these large sections of scripture aren’t steeped in theological significance, but they are passed down as stories, rich in narrative detail and dialogue, and remarkably thin on moralistic commentary. The question is, why? What does story do that laws, theology and dogma do not? What exactly is the power of story? Stories may teach and they may moralize, but more often than not, a good story will invite us to enter in. Stories, like their writers and their readers, live and breathe. In doing so, they liberate the Word, which is living, from mere words, which are static.
Rebecca Irwin-Diehl is a freelance writer and editor who is crafting her own life story in Philadelphia with her partner, Nathan, and their three young sons, Ryan, Christopher and Jackiel. Call 800/524-2612 |
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HERE'S WHAT ONE PW IS DOING Tabletop Missions Luncheon Each Mother’s Day weekend, women at First Presbyterian Church in Richardson, Texas, host a “Tabletop Missions Luncheon.” Women in the congregation are invited to decorate a table for eight using the design of their choice. Last year’s event had 18 tables, each beautiful, funny and very different from the others. Each year a different committee serves a delightful luncheon and the coordinating team for Presbyterian Women (PW) in the congregation offers fun and educational games that just happen to collect loose change from our guests! Donated door prizes add to our fun. Last year’s guest speaker was Consuelo Donohue of San Antonio. A native of Colombia, South America, Consuelo shared the history of the Presbyterian Church in Colombia, in addition to describing the needs and opportunities for mission there. Some of the funds raised during this luncheon were given to the Presbyterian Home, Central and Uraba Presbyteries, Colombia (Extra Commitment Opportunity #047870). Additional funds were given to the PW Birthday Offering, the Richardson Network of Community Ministries, the First Presbyterian Church Clothes Closet, and toward the purchase of the Children’s Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study for families in our congregation. The sense of mission and fellowship we enjoy in preparation for this event makes our Tabletop Missions Luncheon the highlight of our year. Anne R. Healy |
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